The BBC has dropped an Agatha Christie drama starring Ed Westwick from its Christmas TV schedule in light of the rape allegations against the actor.
The Gossip Girl actor was set to appear on Ordeal By Innocence, which was due to start to on Boxing Day. But the show’s air date has now been put on hold until “these matters are resolved”.
“These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied,” a spokesperson for the corporation said in a statement. “The BBC is not making any judgement but until these matters are resolved we will not include Ordeal by Innocence in the schedules.”
The three-part series also stars Bill Nighy, Eleanor Tomlinson and Anna Chancellor.
The statement added that Westwick has taken time out from filming the BBC Two series, White Gold as well. For the moment, the series is developing without him.
“The independent production company making White Gold has informed us that Ed Westwick has paused from filming while he deals with these allegations,” mentioned the BBC.
Westwick is being investigated by the police in Los Angeles after actress Kristina Cohen claimed that he raped her at his home in 2014. She wrote on a Facebook post: “I was woken up abruptly by Ed on top of me, his fingers entering my body. I told him to stop, but he was strong. I fought him off as hard as I could but he grabbed my face in his hands, shaking me, telling me he wanted to f**k me. I was paralyzed, terrified. I couldn’t speak, I could no longer move. He held me down and raped me.”
Westwick faced more trouble as a second actress also came forward to allege sexual assault by him. Aurélie Wynn said that in July 2014, she was invited to Westwick’s home in Los Angeles by a friend who was dating his roommate. Wynn’s Facebook post of 8 November read: “We all hung out until 5am, sun was starting to rise since it was summer so we all decided to get a few hours of shut eye since we all had events and things to do the next day and there are plenty of bedrooms.
And like Kristina, I said no and he pushed me face down and was powerless under his weight. I was wearing a one piece bathing suit that he ripped, I was in complete shock, I am also very tiny.”
The British actor has vehemently denied both claims. The 30-year-old wrote of Cohen’s allegations: “I do not know this woman. I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape.”
His girlfriend Jessica Serfaty, also Tweeted her support saying: “I know you, I know the truth. Such sadness in my heart. I love your kind gentle soul. Bless.”